The European Union has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and entities connected to Russia's ongoing war on Ukraine. The measures include sanctions on two top North Korean defense officials, a military unit responsible for an attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv, and heads of companies in the energy sector.
Additionally, the EU has taken action against Russia's shadow fleet of ships, which is being used to circumvent restrictions on transporting oil and gas, as well as carrying stolen Ukrainian grain. A total of 52 vessels have been banned from European ports and denied services as part of the sanctions.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that these sanctions are aimed at weakening Russia's war capabilities and targeting those who support the conflict, including certain Chinese companies. The EU remains committed to supporting the Ukrainian people across various fronts, including humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic, and military.
As part of the latest round of sanctions, the EU has frozen the assets of 54 individuals and 30 entities, which typically include companies, ministries, government agencies, or other organizations. Travel bans have also been imposed on the targeted officials.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions against Russia. Over 2,300 individuals and entities have now been affected by these measures.
Notable figures targeted in the recent sanctions include North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang Chol and Deputy Chief of the armed force's General Staff, Kim Yong Bok, for their involvement in military cooperation with Russia. Several Russian defense firms, a chemical plant, and a civil Russian airline providing support to the armed forces were also among the entities sanctioned.
Furthermore, Chinese nationals accused of supplying drone parts and electronic equipment, as well as entities in China, India, Iran, Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates allegedly aiding Russia in bypassing EU sanctions, have also been impacted by the latest measures.
